beer

noun

ˈbir 

1

: a carbonated, fermented alcoholic beverage that is usually made from malted cereal grain (especially barley), is flavored with hops, and typically contains less than a 5% alcohol content compare ale, craft beer, lager entry 1, malt liquor sense 2

2

: a carbonated nonalcoholic or a fermented slightly alcoholic beverage with flavoring from roots or other plant parts

birch beer

3

: fermented mash

4

: a drink of beer

Examples of beer in a Sentence

Would you like beer with dinner?

The pub brews its own beer.

I'll have a beer, please.

a couple of cold beers

a glass of birch beer

Recent Examples on the Web

Outside, the rain got heavier and harder, and inside, Rohit put on a Nina Simone record and poured them all cold glasses of beer. —Ruby Opalka, The Atlantic, 25 Aug. 2024

The festival also includes amusement rides (maybe try those before drinking beer) and even a massive Ferris wheel, which provides a gorgeous view of the festival grounds and the city from above. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2024

Fruits and vegetables can go in the crisper drawers, while condiments, jams, and pickles can be stored in the door, as well wine and beer, and other drinks, like soda. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2024

The drinks menu features classic and modern cocktails, Italian wines, and beers. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ber, going back to Old English bēor, akin to Old High German bior "beer," Old Norse bjórr; perhaps all going back to a dissimilated form of Germanic *breura-, a nominal derivative of *brewwan- "to brew entry 1"

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing beer

• beer and skittles
• beer belly
• beer goggles
• beer gut
• beer mat
• beer pong
• craft beer
• ginger beer
• lager beer
• near beer
• root beer
• small beer
• spruce beer

Kids Definition

beer

noun

ˈbi(ə)r 

1

: an alcoholic drink made from malt and flavored with hops

2

: a nonalcoholic drink made from roots or other parts of plants

birch beer